107 Dominican Republic Baby Names With Meanings
From Aury to Sindy, immerse yourself in these culturally vibrant names.
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Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Dominican Republic baby names show strong Spanish colonial influence because the country was a Spanish colony from 1861 to 1865 (1). The naming customs of the Dominican Republic, a Spanish-speaking sovereign state in the Caribbean, are similar to those practiced in Spain. Not just the traditions, even the first names are primarily Spanish. In the Dominican Republic, both men and women carry two family names. The first is the father’s family name, and the second is the mother’s family name, which may be joined by y or e. Both family names are equally important and are compulsory for all official documents. Married women are not required to change their family’s name to their husband’s surname. Even when married women shift countries, they can keep their maiden name. However, they may choose to switch out their maternal family name for their husband’s paternal family name (2). In the colonial period, Hispanics worldwide, including those in the Dominican Republic, had a second name. They also used the word de between their first and third names. For instance, Juan Luis de Romero Conde. While this custom has faded significantly in other Hispanic countries, people of the Dominican Republic still follow it. However, this second given name is only used on formal occasions or is registered only on birth, marriage, and death certificates. Family plays a significant role in selecting the first name for a child. Parents often choose a first name that honors grandparents or other relatives. Parents may even select names reflecting their religious beliefs. Since a majority of the population in the Dominican Republic are Catholics, it is common for a child to have a biblical name or a name paying homage to saints and religious figures. Below is a list of some of the best Dominican Republic baby names we compiled. We are sure you will find something worthy of being carried by your child. Have a look.
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Aaron |  Boy | Enlightened; High mountain | |
| Abiezer | Boy | Father of help | |
| Abnar | Boy | Father of light | |
| Alonso | Boy | Ready for battle; Noble | |
| Amayah | Girl | Close to God | |
| Amelia | Girl | Hardworking and industrious | |
| Ashley | Boy | Ash tree meadow | |
| Aury | Girl | Gold | |
| Camila | Girl | Religious attendant; Priest's helper | |
| Cendy | Girl | Moon; As beautiful as Moon. | |
| Charina | Boy | A strong and macho man | |
| Criselda | Girl | A variation of Chriselda; Bearing Christ | |
| Dahiana | Girl | Valley | |
| Dalvin | Boy | Proud friend; Elf friend | |
| Daniel | Boy | God is my judge | |
| Dannel | Boy | God is my judge | |
| Darianna | Girl | Preserver | |
| Darianne | Girl | Preserver | |
| Dex | Boy | A right handed man | |
| Deylin | Boy | Name of a historical blacksmith with supernatural powers; Angel from god | |
| Dianelys | Girl | Dominic Republic version of Diana; Luminous; Perfect | |
| Dielis | Boy | Kid | |
| Doralis | Girl | Gift | |
| Dylan | Boy | One born near the sea; Son of the sea | |
| Eimy | Girl | One who is an eternal ruler | |
| Elaisa | Boy | God has sworn | |
| Elianny | Girl | My God has answered. | |
| Emma | Girl | Whole; Universal | |
| Franchesca | Girl | Free | |
| Grissel | Girl | Dark battle; Gray-haired | |
| Hanameel | Girl | The innate grace in a woman; The gift of grace from God | |
| Hasiel | Boy | God's refuge | |
| Haziel | Boy | God sees | |
| Hermas | Boy | A Biblical name, meaning mercury, gain or refuge. | |
| Higuel | Boy | One who comes from the city of Higuey | |
| Ilaria | Girl | Cheerful | |
| Ilonka | Girl | Torch | |
| Iolany | Girl | An exalted hawk | |
| Isabella | Girl | God is my oath | |
| Isai | Boy | Masculinity | |
| Isamar | Boy | An elision of Isabel del Mar | |
| Jahaziel | Girl | Seeing God | |
| Jasiel | Boy | Strength of God | |
| Jayden |  Unisex | God will judge | |
| Jeshurun | Boy | English version of Yeshurun; Straight, just, upright | |
| Joanka | Girl | God is with us | |
| Johanny | Boy | God is gracious | |
| Johansen | Boy | Scandinavian version of Johanson; Son of Johan | |
| Jovanka | Girl | God is reconciling | |
| Karelyn | Girl | A Dominic Republic variation of Caroline; Free man | |
| Karolay | Girl | Possibly; A variation of Caroline | |
| Kaurys | Girl | An alternate spelling for Karys meaning from Caru | |
| Kerlin | Boy | Wool comb | |
| Liam | Boy | Strong-willed warrior | |
| Liosha | Girl | A variation of Aliosha; Defender of mankind | |
| Lucas | Boy | Bringer of light | |
| Lucely | Girl | A variation of Lucia; Meaning light | |
| Maidali | Girl | Brightness | |
| Maikel | Boy | A spelling for Michael; Who is like God | |
| Maoli | Girl | Handmaiden | |
| Mayerlin | Girl | Little falcon; A Dominican Republic variant of Marlin | |
| Medelin | Girl | A place name | |
| Merari | Boy | Bitter; To provoke | |
| Nachelle | Girl | Powerful woman | |
| Naidelyn | Girl | A modern English name | |
| Nashaly | Girl | Woman born during the rainy season | |
| Nicolet | Girl | People of victory; A variation of Nicole | |
| Nicoll | Girl | A Dominican Republic spelling for Nicole; Victorious people | |
| Noah | Unisex | Rest | |
| Ostin | Boy | Great; Magnificent | |
| Raiza | Girl | Rose | |
| Rayneli | Girl | The female version of Raynell, meaning counselor | |
| Reinildis | Girl | A strong fighter | |
| Saidy | Girl | Princess | |
| Saimi | Girl | A variation of Saima; Fasting woman | |
| Samantha | Girl | God has heard; Name of God | |
| Sardis | Boy | A Biblical name; Joy | |
| Sebastian | Boy | From Sebaste; Venerable | |
| Shaderr | Boy | Tailor | |
| Sharina | Girl | Princess | |
| Sindy | Girl | A woman belonging to the Mount Kynthos; From Mount Kynthos | |
| Sofia | Girl | Wisdom; Learned | |
| Sophia | Girl | She who possesses great knowledge and wisdom | |
| Thiago | Boy | Supplanter | |
| Valentina | Girl | Strong; Vigourous; Healthy | |
| Valerie | Girl | A woman who is brave and strong | |
| Vilmaris | Girl | Guardian of the sea | |
| Vin | Boy | Conquering; The one with conquering abilities | |
| Wanda | Girl | Slender; Young tree | |
| Wilmarie | Girl | A combination of Willa and Marie | |
| Windel | Boy | A friend | |
| Xocoyotl | Girl | Youngest child | |
| Yamaris | Girl | Wished for a child; Star of the sea | |
| Yanira | Girl | Gift from God | |
| Yanna | Girl | God is gracious | |
| Yared | Boy | A form of Jared; Rose | |
| Yari | Girl | Water lady | |
| Yaris | Girl | Love; Beautiful; Spring | |
| Yaritza | Girl | Water lady | |
| Yera | Girl | Virgin Mary | |
Naming a baby is a cherished tradition of immense significance in every culture.
Dominican Republic baby names symbolize the country’s history and diverse heritage. These names represent ancestral connections and religious faith. Dominican Republic names have also undergone changes with evolving times as they now reflect a touch of modern creativity. They carry stories of the country’s struggle and triumph and also remind the name bearer of their roots and culture.
Infographic: Dashing Dominican Republic Baby Names With Meanings
Parents often look for baby names that can depict their native roots. Dominican Republican baby names represent the country's diverse culture and heritage. Even their traditional names exhibit a foreign influence, a part of the Dominican Republic’s history. The infographic below can give you an idea of the kind of names popular in this region.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any particular naming customs or rules for naming babies in the Dominican Republic?
The names in the Dominican Republic are usually derived either from the names present in the Bible or from the names of noted saints. After the child’s baptism, they are usually given more than one name, one of which is the name of the Saint Day related to the day of the baptism. However, this name is not commonly used throughout the child’s life.
2. What are some Dominican Republic baby names that are inspired by nature or geography?
Some examples of nature-inspired Dominican Republic baby names include Ackerley (one who dwells at the acre meadows), Adolfina (noble wolf), Alaina (rock), Anel (God of wind), and Brayden (broad hillside). These names have an old-world charm, and so are commonly chosen by parents.
References:
- Annexation by Spain, 1861-65.
https://countrystudies.us/dominican-republic/6.htm - A Guide to Names and Naming Practices.
https://www.fbiic.gov/public/2008/nov/Naming_practice_guide_UK_2006.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
